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Animal Rescue Jobs in Richmond, VA (NOW HIRING)

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Richmond, VA is $20.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Richmond, VA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Richmond, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Richmond, VA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Richmond, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Richmond, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Richmond, VA are:
What cities near Richmond, VA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Richmond, VA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Richmond, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,427 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

LVT- River City Veterinary Hospital

Mission Pet Health

Richmond, VA • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

General Information
Ref #
52286
Department
Vet Tech / Vet Assistant / VT Campus
Job Site
River City Veterinary Hospital (Richmond)
Date Published
07-01-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Base Min.
$ 28
Base Max.
$ 32
Description & Requirements
Company Overview
River City Veterinary Hospital, proudly serving the Richmond area since 2014, is rooted in providing a collaborative, compassionate, and pro-active healthcare experience for every patient. The community trust is evident-we hold an exceptional 4.9-star Google rating and have consistently been recognized as a top provider, earning Richmond Magazine's Best Veterinary Hospital since 2019, Style Weekly's Best Animal Hospital since 2016, and Virginia Living Magazine's Best of Virginia since 2019. If you are seeking a practice where your medical dedication is recognized by both your teammates and the local pet owners you serve, this is where you can truly do your best work.
As a future teammate at River City Veterinary Hospital, you will be joining a team recognized for its deep dedication to medicine and client empathy. The leadership here believes that easing the minds of concerned pet parents, especially in urgent situations, is as vital as the diagnosis itself. This commitment creates an environment built for professional growth. Though we maintain a local, personalized feel, joining us means you have access to broader programs designed to help all teammates achieve their career goals, whether you are pursuing credentialing as an LVT or moving toward a leadership role within the organization. We are focused on helping you succeed professionally.
We focus intently on comprehensive veterinary services, including animal rescue initiatives and emergency medical topics, ensuring we handle the full spectrum of complex cases. We understand the urgency needed when a pet is not feeling well, providing both diagnosis and crucial emotional support. To streamline client communication and improve workflow efficiency, we utilize modern digital tools like PetPage by AllyDVM, allowing for seamless communication, appointment requests, and prescription refills, even outside of our regular office hours (M-F 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM). You will be fully supported by a dedicated team that prioritizes delivering pro-active healthcare.
Richmond, VA, known as River City, is a dynamic community offering rich history combined with modern vibrancy. Located conveniently on West Broad Street, our facility places you in the heart of a city renowned for its arts, diverse food scene, and extensive park systems bordering the James River. This location provides you with the perfect backdrop for a balanced life, allowing you to easily connect with the community you serve and enjoy ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation outside of the practice.
Job Description
River City Veterinary Hospital - Now Hiring Full-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician!
Location: 5220 West Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230
Website: www.rivercityvethospital.com
Pay: $28 - $32/hour
$2,000 Sign-On Bonus!
About Us:
River City Veterinary Hospital is a family-style small animal practice located in Richmond, VA. Our team is tight-knit and collaborative, and we truly treat each other-and our clients-like family (the kind of family we enjoy being around). Our goal is to create a workplace where people love what they do, feel supported, and are excited to come in to work every day.
We offer cutting-edge technology, a collaborative environment, and plenty of room to grow. In 2022, we moved into a beautiful, fully renovated 11,000 sq. ft. facility, equipped with two surgery suites, a dual dental suite (each with its own digital dental x-ray), and more bells and whistles than we can list!
Services We Offer:
  • Soft tissue surgery
  • Ultrasound & echocardiograms
  • Cutting & therapeutic laser
  • Comprehensive dental care
  • In-house lab (Zoetis equipment)
  • Avimark software
  • Oxygen lines throughout the building
  • Portable anesthesia machines
  • Oxygen kennel
  • Dedicated isolation ward with separate entrance
  • Living-room style comfort room

Who We're Looking For:
We're looking for a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) who is passionate, team-oriented, and ready to take their skills to the next level in a supportive, fun environment. Whether you're an experienced tech or newer to the field, we offer coaching and training to help you grow in your areas of interest.
Must-haves:
  • Current Virginia LVT license (or eligible)
  • Positive, can-do attitude
  • Team player with excellent communication skills

Schedule:
  • 4-day work week
  • Rotating Saturdays (1-2 per month, counts as one of the 4 days)
  • Office Hours:
    • Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Sunday: Closed

What Makes Us Different:
  • Strong technician-to-doctor ratio
  • Long-term staff with excellent retention
  • Monthly educational team meetings and quarterly department meetings - your voice matters!
  • Fun, family-style culture - we work hard and laugh harder
  • All the toys and tools to keep things exciting

If you're ready to join a practice that values your skills, supports your growth, and knows how to have fun while providing top-tier care, we'd love to hear from you!
Your Impact as a Credentialed Veterinary Technician
Note: The Credentialed Veterinary Technician title is used in various states based on state-specific licensing and credentialing requirements. Responsibilities may vary depending on the hospital and/or state and will be outlined by the state's Veterinary Practice Act and/or the responsible veterinarian, where applicable.
  • Utilize Your Full Skillset: You'll be a vital part of the medical team, providing comprehensive patient care, including administering treatments, monitoring anesthesia, and performing lab work.
  • Be a Leader and Mentor: You'll guide and support the medical team, ensuring an efficient workflow while mentoring others to help them grow their skills and careers.
  • Partner with Clients: You'll be a key point of contact for pet owners, educating them on treatments, reviewing medical records, and confidently answering their questions.
  • Contribute to a Positive Culture: You'll play an active role in training, providing feedback, and maintaining the high standards of our hospital environment.
What You'll Bring to the Team
  • Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
  • A current state veterinary technician license in good standing.
  • Proficiency in a range of technical skills, including nursing, surgery, dental care, radiology, and laboratory procedures.
  • A calm and efficient approach, especially in fast-paced or stressful situations.
  • Strong communication skills and a passion for working collaboratively.
  • One year of experience in the veterinary industry is preferred.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.
Competitive Compensation
A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.
Health & Wellbeing
We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.
Financial Security
Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
Commitment to Growth
We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.
The Power of a Network
Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.
Valuable Perks
Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.
Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact benefits@mvetpartners.com with your request and contact information.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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